Source: Michael Doyle Their Name Liveth For Evermore: The Great War Roll of Honour for Leicestershire and Rutland.
He was the son of Charles Foster, a stone carter, born 1866 in Hinckley, Leics., and his wife Mary Ann Foster (nee Bollard), born 1870 in Mountsorrel, Leics. Eli Herbert was born in 1893 in Enderby, Leics., his siblings were, Esther, born 1895, Charles, born 1897 and Alice, born 1898, the latter three siblings were all born in Earl Shilton, Leics., in March 1901 the family home was at 21, Church Street, Earl Shilton, Leics. In April 1911 Eli was employed as a miller and was residing as a servant at The Mill, Market Bosworth, Leics. On Wednesday February 28th 1917 The Leicester Mercury published the following article under the heading. “ROLL OF HONOUR” - “LOCAL MEN IN THE CASUALTY LISTS” - The following local casualties are officially reported. All are Private’s except where otherwise shown. DIED OF WOUNDS. LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT.- Foster, 9727 E. H. (Leicester). The War Diary for today records that the 16th Infantry Brigade raid took place, and there was no retaliation on our front. All quiet during the day. No casualties today.